L. S. Vygotsky: The Riddle of His Name

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article analyzes problems related to Lev S. Vygotsky’s name. The motives behind the replacement of his original patronymic “Simkhovich” with “Semyonovich” are discussed, as well as the reasons for which he changed his family name from “Vygodsky” to “Vygotsky.” Both these changes were made between 1917 and 1924. The author draws attention to a number of coincidences in the lives of Martin Luther and Lev Vygotsky, which could have come to the latter’s notice. The author puts forward and substantiates the hypothesis that the change of a letter in the family name might be accounted for by Vygotsky’s attempt—drawing on the inspiring example of Luther’s life—to get over the inner crisis caused by the tragic events in his family.